Suppressing the coughing stimulus
A coughing irritation and the dry cough that follows it can severely impair everyday life. Those affected therefore often simply try to suppress it. But is that possible?
In principle, our coughing irritation can be suppressed to a certain degree. By using breathing techniques, moistening the airways or special posture, for example, the annoying feeling can be reduced. However, the irritation can only be completely avoided or suppressed by taking strong medication.
One of the most effective active ingredients is codeine or dihydrocodeine. As they belong to the group of opiates like morphine, they can only be purchased with a prescription and only taken on the advice of a doctor. Incorrect use or overdose can have serious consequences (e.g. respiratory arrest).
Moreover, because of its structural similarity to heroin, it must not be taken by opioid addicts under any circumstances! Codeine should not be used in the case of a productive, mucus-forming cough. By suppressing the coughing stimulus, the secretion remains in the bronchial tubes and causes the bacteria to adhere and spread, so that, for example, pneumonia can develop.
In summary, it can be said that codeine, if used correctly, is a very reliable instrument for suppressing coughs. Nevertheless, it should only be the means of last choice, as dangerous side effects are possible. Coughing irritation in children is extremely common and can have various causes.
In most cases, it is a harmless cold, accompanied by e.g. rhinitis and sore throat. However, the most common causes are pertussis and pseudocroup: 1) Pertussis 2) Pseudocroup
- Pertussis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can last for several months and progresses in three stages:
- Catarrhal stage (duration 1-2 weeks): flu-like symptoms such as rhinitis, mild cough and fever.
- Stage convulsivum (duration 4-6 weeks): Numerous attacks of coughing, especially at night, followed by wheezing when inhaling.
The children feel a very strong irritation to cough, so that vomiting is not uncommon.
- Stage decrementi (duration 6-10 weeks): Slow disappearance of symptoms.
- In contrast to other infectious diseases, eradication of whooping cough by vaccination is not possible from today’s perspective.The aim is therefore to provide as early as possible (immediately after the 2nd month of life) and complete vaccination protection against whooping cough for particularly vulnerable patients, namely infants and toddlers. This group of patients can die from the severe complications of a whooping cough infection!
- Typically, children between the age of 6 months and 6 years fall ill with the disease, which is usually caused by viruses. The larynx becomes inflamed (lat.
: laryngitis), accompanied by a swelling of the mucous membrane of the trachea below the vocal chords. This causes a very characteristic “barking” cough, accompanied by whistling noises and shortness of breath.
- In many cases, affected children panic and sometimes dramatically worsen their situation. It is therefore extremely important that parents calm their child in such cases and provide fresh air in the child’s room. A doctor should then be consulted to ensure supportive drug therapy (e.g. cortisone).
- Ultimately, however, this disease appears far more dramatic than it actually is. In the vast majority of cases, the young patients do not need any assistance with breathing (intubation) and recover relatively quickly.
